operators fear poor may sales

OPERATORS admit fears are rising that May will be a “diabolical” month to sell but are conversely upbeat June’s World Cup will not cause the traditional dent in sales.

The months are traditionally tough to sell in the mass market but many say May is dragging more than usual with half-term and the Golden Jubilee holiday falling in the first week of June.

Sales to Majorca and Ibiza are particularly sluggish with prices in the lates market down by around £10-£15.

But fears the World Cup will stop travel abroad in June are proving unfounded with customers booking holidays for better viewing times.

Cosmos commercial director Stuart Jackson said: “There’s a bigger gap between half-term and Easter so we will have to watch May closely.

“In the past people have waited until after the World Cup to go away but with this year’s early morning games many will not be able to watch it if they stay home and are booking holidays.”

Seat-only operator Avro predicted May would be “the pits” this year.

Commercial director John Fitz-Gerald said: “Everyone’s having a diabolical May but June is good. It may improve from May 25 if people decide to avoid half-term.”

Thomas Cook tour operations managing director Manny Fontenla-Novoa said bookings were shifting from May to June.

“We have more capacity to sell in May. People should hold their nerve on prices. We’re trying not to follow people who are dumping stock.”

Thomas Cook’s lates prices went on sale at the weekend, slightly later than usual, while Thomson, Airtours and First Choice started to bring out their prices last week.